Lichfield schools apply for academy status

Two schools in Lichfield are among those who have applied for academy status.

Chadsmead Primary School and St Joseph and St Theresa Catholic Primary are among more than 1,000 across the country who have registered their interest in becoming independent of the local authority.

Both have been rated as outstanding by Ofsted, with a 2009 report stating that Chadsmead “provides outstanding education” and St Joseph and St Theresa described as “an outstanding school” following last year’s inspection, meaning they could be fast-tracked to achieve academy status by September.

However, Schools Minister Lord Hill said:

“This is a genuinely permissive policy, there is no pressure for any school to convert by September, and they can do so at any time, when they feel they are ready. We want schools to decide what’s best for them, not politicians or bureaucrats.”

By becoming academies, the schools would be given more freedom over areas such as term times, curriculum and budgets.

The list of interested parties was released by the government following a Freedom of Information request.